Neighbourhood Centre delivers dementia-friendly program

BALLARAT Neighbourhood Centre will be presenting a series of dementia-friendly events over the coming weeks.

The project was made possible due to a grant from Dementia Australia’s Dementia Friendly Communities Program.

“The aim is to help make our communities more dementia-friendly, through collaborating with people living with dementia to create spaces that understand, support and empower them,” Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre community engagement officer Emily Macdonald said.

“We would like to invite all members of the community to attend these dementia-friendly activities, aimed at building greater awareness, acceptance and understanding of dementia in the community.

“Our first event was the Memory Makers Social Group which commenced on Monday 5 May and will continue each week.”

There will be a Bigger Hearts Choir Performance and Afternoon Tea on Friday 9 May from 1.30pm to 3pm at Barkly Square Community Hall, a Become a Dementia Friend session on Wednesday 14 May from 2pm to 3pm at Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre, and a Dementia Friendly Carers Gardening Group through May and June at Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre.

“This group is specifically for carers of people with dementia,” Ms Macdonald said.

The events are open to anyone in the community who is impacted by dementia or wants to learn more about dementia.

“We are hoping to bring all the groups in Ballarat caring for people with dementia together and individuals who are looking for dementia-friendly activities or would like to learn more,” said Ms Macdonald.

For more information, phone Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre on 5329 3273 or [email protected].